STARTING OVER IN CEDARWOOD by Author Megan Slayer *BOOK BLAST* *GIVEAWAY*

 

Notes FromNotes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome back author Megan Slayer with her new release, Starting Over in Cedarwood. You can follow all the stops on Megan’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter drawing. You can find the entry at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Contemporary LGBTQ Erotic Romance

About the Book

Starting over might just bring them the love they deserve.

Shaun Fallows came to Cedarwood to start over. He wants to be done with dating, but the moment he sees Kevin, the sparks are off the charts. He can't get the sexy man off his mind. So much for not wanting to get involved. Kevin is the man of his dreams. Can he convince Kevin to give him a try or will the romance end before it gets the chance to begin?

Besides, there's the small issue of Kevin's cat...

Kevin Keiser did the dating thing and ended up burned. One of the few bright spots in his life is his cat, Leo. The animal might be a bit prickly, but he's been a good meter for who Kevin should date and who he should avoid. He wants a boyfriend who isn't put off by his pet. Shaun sure seems to fit the bill. Is he just another man or the love Kevin's been waiting for?

Get Starting Over in Cedarwood at Your Favorite Retailer

Enjoy an Excerpt

©2021 MeganSlayer All Rights Reserved

“Excuse me. Do you have soggy buns, too?”

Shaun froze, then looked at Cara, who’d gone pale. She hadn’t been the one to ask the question and the speaker didn’t sound like Warrick. Shaun turned his attention to the one who had spoken. Kevin. Shaun’s breath lodged in his throat. The man was even more handsome up close. Shaun noted the sprinkling of hairs on Kevin’s cheeks and the lines crinkling at the corners of his eyes. Were those flecks of silver at his temples, too?

Kevin cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. The other table is complaining about the buns being subpar. Are your dining choices up to your standards?”

“Uh…” Shaun had to sound intelligent, not silly, but he couldn’t manage to form a normal sentence.

“They’re great,” Cara said. “Thank you.”

“Are you sure? We’re here to provide a fine dining experience,” Kevin said. “At decent prices.”

“You sound like you’re a walking advertisement,” Shaun managed. He balled his hand on his thigh under the table and drew in a deep breath to center himself. He’d never had problems talking to guys before now. “I don’t think our buns are soggy.” He smiled and met Kevin’s gaze. “But I would like to ask you a question.” Christ. Confidence, don’t fail me now.

“Do you need more ketchup? Some of the bottles are low.” Kevin shook his head, then reached across the table to retrieve the bottle. “I let Buzz handle it and he only filled about half of them.”

“No.” Shaun touched Kevin’s forearm, stopping him. The move also sent tingles along Shaun’s nerve endings. His synapses stood at full alert. “I… Would you like to grab a beer sometime?”

“Oh.” Kevin froze and confusion clouded his eyes. “You want to go out with me?”

“I do.” Shaun mustered his confidence. “I know it’s a strange time to ask you that, but I wasn’t sure if I’d get to see you again. It’s just beers or coffee, but I’d like to go out sometime with you.” Christ. He’d managed to stumble over everything he’d just said.

“Uh, sure.” Kevin stood at his full height and clasped his hands together. “But you’re sure you’re happy with the food?”

“Very.” Shaun scrawled his number on a piece of paper. “Call me when you’re free. I’d like to buy you that beer or coffee.”

Kevin tipped his head and a slight smile curled on his lips. A crooked smile. “I will.”

When Kevin walked away, Shaun considered what he’d done. “I asked him out.”

Meet the Author

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Amazon Author Page ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

Enter the Giveaway

Megan Slayer will be awarding a prize pack featuring a necklace made by the author to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thank you for joining us today. Please come back all next week for more authors, books, and giveaways.
Nancy

HAWK by Author Amber Malloy **REVIEW** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Amber Malloy to the blog to discuss her new her release, Hawk, Book 3 of the Perfect Stats sports romance series. You can find all the stops on Amber’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter drawing for a chance to win an Amazon or B&N gift card. The entry form is at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Contemporary Sports Erotic Romance

About the Book

Hawk thought he had everything he wanted until Lexington Waters showed up. That’s when he discovered he needed so much more.

Tech Guru Lexi Waters needs to snatch her company out of the grasp of her greedy ex-husband. The only problem is the restraining order that keeps her away from the business she built from the ground up. With no money left to her name, Lexi is forced to go back to Chicago and face the first man to ever let her down—blues legend Sugarfoot Moe Waters, her father. While she’s stuck fixing up his crappy bar, the last thing she needs to deal with is a pushy, arrogant professional hockey player—Hawthorne Maze, aka Hawk. Hopefully the gorgeous distraction won’t derail everything she has worked so hard for.

From the outside looking in, Hawk’s life seems perfect. Professionally, he’s at the top of his field, and personally, he has his pick of any groupie. Orphaned by teenage parents, he only knows is that his mom is white and his dad black. Other than that, there are only two people he considers family—his childhood friend Gavin Knox and geriatric bar owner Moe. He thinks he knows everything about the famous blues artist, but the sudden appearance of his hot-ass daughter is not only unexpected but also unwanted. Contemplating retirement, Hawk needs to figure out what to do next, but fate keeps throwing the sexy egghead Lexi in his path.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Who’s on a first-name basis with their parents?”

Lexi’s head jerked up to find problem number two in her crosshairs. Hawk leaned against the doorway, shooting her a lazy smirk she’d fought hard to ignore the entire day.

“That sounds like a question for Moe.” She trained her face into a blank slate, devoid of emotion. Lexi wished she could say the tech world had taught her that trick, but unfortunately that particular talent was a holdover from her shitty marriage.

“It’s just curious I’ve worked here for a few years and haven’t seen you, not once?”

As Hawk graced her with a lopsided smile, bright specks of brown and green twinkled in his hazel eyes. Similar to a bad kid, mischief was written all over his pretty mug. Maybe in another life she would have played with him, but unfortunately Josh had stomped out any sort of good humor. “That is another question for Moe. So far you’re batting a thousand.”

“Well, let me hit you with one that you can answer.” He pushed off the door and brought a picture frame from behind him. “Why did you hide all this awesomeness in the stockroom?” Standing smack in the middle of sexiest people she’d ever laid eyes on, the big guy held up a trophy.

“Ah, what sport is that?” she asked, completely in the dark.

“Hockey.”

Imagining the man spinning a graceful figure eight, she coughed into her hand, hiding her chuckle. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but Moe’s is a blues bar, right?”

“Got it. I’m no Louis Armstrong, but I’m a championship winner—and Chicago loves their winners.” Arrogant much? She bit her lower lip to stop all the smart remarks from flying out of her mouth. “Blues and hockey aren’t exactly peanut butter and jelly.”

“Point,” he sighed, evidently done with dispensing the charm.

“They don’t mix.” Lexi leaned back in her seat. “Honestly, these people probably think you’re just a really big bartender.”

My Review

4 Stars

A well-done sports romance, the author brings a bit of intrigue and a lot of steam to the complex story of Hawk and Lexi. I enjoyed their interaction out of the bedroom as well and would have loved to have seen more of it.

Hawk showed a vulnerable side in his love for blues music, old movies, and Lexi. However, from time-to-time he seemed a bit needy or moody.

I love a good complex plot to go with my steam and this one qualifies what with the heroine’s tussle with her ex over her business.

If you’re a fan of sports romance books, you will enjoy this book

Meet the Author

Amber Malloy dreamed of being a double agent but couldn't pass the psyche evaluation. Crushed by despair that she couldn't legally shoot things, Amber pursued her second career choice as pastry chef. When she's not writing or whipping up a mean Snickers Cheesecake, she occasionally spies on her sommelier. Amber is convinced he's faking his French accent.

Amazon Author Page ~ Gooodreads ~ Twitter

Enter the Giveaway

Amber Malloy will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It has been my pleasure welcoming Amber to the blog today. Please come back again on Friday and then all next week for more authors, books, and giveaways.

Nancy

A FAIRYGODMOTHER'S REDEMPTION by Author Maya Tyler **REVIEW** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Maya Tyler to the blog today to share her new release, A Fairy Godmother’s Redemption. You can find all the stop on the tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to check out the giveaway for a $25 gift card. The entry form is at the end of this post.

GENRE: Paranormal Romance

About the Book

If only your dreams could come true with a Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo…

Becoming the legal guardian for his half-sisters puts a wrench in Drew's college plans. Photo-shopped nudes of Seraphina threaten her promising singing career.

Sounds like a job for a Fairy Godmother.

Purchase A Fairy Godmother’s Redemption

Enjoy an Excerpt

PR is straightforward, but love is complicated…

Sera stood to the side of the wide ribbon, wearing a white blouse and multicolored silk scarf, holding a ridiculously large pair of scissors.

He winced at the size of the scissors. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

“No. And these things weigh a ton too.”

Drew raised his eyebrow in challenge.

“You lift them.” She handed him the scissors.

“Damn. What are they made of? Osmium?”

Sera shot him a quizzical look. “What’s that?”

“It’s a metal that’s twice as dense as lead. A heavy metal, you could say.”

Sera laughed. “For that corny joke; you can cut the ribbon yourself.”

“I’m not the person all these people—” He gestured to the growing crowd. “—came to see.”

“I was having an off-day.”

“What?”

“The day in the café. I’m not usually such a diva.” She blushed. “The whole photo release thing has been so embarrassing.”

“Look. You don’t have to explain.”

“I wanted to tell you.”

Krista bellowed for Sera.

Sera wrinkled her nose. “Duty calls.”

“Go.”

Sera took a few steps, then turned back to get the scissors. “Oops. I might need these.”

Madison elbowed Drew in the ribs. “She’s pretty. I think she likes you.”

Madison’s words startled him. He’d completely forgotten about the girls. He glanced around until he got eyes on Mackenzie. They deserved better. Someone who knew how to take care of them.

“…and she’s a princess.”

“What are you talking about, half-pint?”

Madison directed a very serious look at Drew. “Cinderella met and fell in love with a prince… so it makes perfect sense that you met a princess.” She looked very pleased with herself. “Now, you need to fall in love.”

Drew smiled ruefully. “It’s a little more complicated than that, half-pint.”

“How come?”

It was a good question. And one that Drew couldn’t answer.

My Review

3 ½ Stars

The Fairy Godmother’s Redemption was a cute and fun to read YA story. The characters were very likeable and shared the spotlight well without overshadowing the main characters.

I felt this was more fantasy than paranormal as there were really no scary/paranormal elements to it. And, the romance didn’t really work for me in terms of timing.

That said, it is a really fun story with some laugh-out-loud situations and dialog. If you enjoy your YA on the lighter, funnier side, you should enjoy this book.

Meet the Author

Maya Tyler is a multi-published author of paranormal romance novels and blogger at Maya’s Musings. An avid reader, Maya writes the books she loves to read—romances! Her paranormal romances come with complex plot twists and happily-ever-afters.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, listening to music (alternative rock, especially from the 1990s), practicing yoga, and watching movies and TV.

Maya loves to hear from fellow authors and readers! Please connect with her through social media.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway

Maya Tyler will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It's been my pleasure hosting Maya today. Please come back all week for more great authors, books, and giveaways.

Nancy

PHOTO BOMBED by Author Daria White *Goddess Fish* *Book Blast* *Giveaway* *ON SALE*

 

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Daria White to the blog today to talk about her new cozy mystery, Photo Bombed. You can find all the stops on Daria’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Giveaway for a $15 gift card. The entry form as at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Cozy Mystery

About the Book

When a corpse crashes the party, Bianca is on the case.

Bianca Wallace is a work from home mom raising her teenage daughter as a single parent. She’s determined to stand on her own two feet in Edenville, Texas after her bitter divorce. When the town’s wedding of the year stars her friend as the bride, Bianca can’t wait to celebrate the nuptials. Neither she nor the guests expect a corpse! When the police suspect the bride, Bianca's determined to prove her friend’s innocence.

Lamar Sims, the new police detective in Edenville, is investigating the murder case. Bianca’s “interference” is not helping, but she won't stop when her friend's freedom is on the line. He makes it clear he wants her to let the police do their job, so she has to find ways around him.

No one in Edenville is safe until the killer is behind bars. Bianca won’t let Detective Sims dismiss her hunches. They may have to work together before another dead body shows up.

Amazon ~ B&N (Nook) ~ Smashwords

Photo Bombed will be on sale for 99Ȼ during the tour.

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Good evening,” a tenor voice said.

Bianca raised her head and acknowledged the man taking a seat across from her. “Good evening.” She folded her fingers on the clothed table.

The man extended his tanned hand. His bright smile made him charming. “I’m Simon.”

“Bianca.” She shook his hand, ignoring his sweaty palm.

His face softened as his tone contained wonder. “Tell me something you love about yourself.”

His question surprised her. “Well… I think I love my creativity. I’m a graphic designer.”

His smile grew bigger. “How long have you been doing that?”

“I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, but I opened my business a few years back.”

“Same here.” Simon ran his fingers through his short, brown hair. He grabbed at the small bowl of nuts on her table, popping a few in his mouth without even taking his baby blue eyes off of her. “I got into photography in high school, but now I travel for the magazine I work for.”

Bianca didn’t mind this conversation so far. “That’s amazing. I know for me, graphic design wasn’t my first choice. I thought about the law, but when I had my daughter…” Her eyes bulged as Simon’s mouth fell open. “Are you all right?”

His spoke as if in disbelief. “You have a child?”

“Yes. She’s a teenager.”

“So you’re…?” He blinked rapidly as if trying to process what she was saying.

“Divorced. Almost three years now.” She tilted her head to the side, trying to read his expression. “Are you alright?”

He ran a hand down the back of his head. “Yes, I just wasn’t planning on dating a woman with children. I never wanted kids of my own.”

Bianca froze momentarily. Not everyone wanted children. She could understand that, but this was the first time she’d heard it out loud and to her face. It never crossed her mind until now that if she got into another relationship, would the man accept her daughter? If he didn’t, it was his loss. Her daughter came in the package deal.

“Thank you for sharing,” she said.

He gave a faint smile and stood to his feet. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.” He extended her hand. “Have a good evening.”

She returned the gesture. “You too.” Bianca returned to her chair as he walked away. She hadn’t expected that. As she adjusted in her cushioned seat, another man approached her table. Chin high and shoulders back. Bianca didn’t know whether to describe him as confident or cocky based off the smolder he gave her. With an earring in one ear and a gold chain hanging around his neck, he took the seat across from her.

Meet the Author

Daria started writing as a teenager. Since she loves romance novels, she figured why not write them too? She also writes Christian fiction along with cozy mysteries! Daria graduated with a degree in healthcare management, so writing was not in the cards for her. It’s rare that you won’t catch her reading. Aside from that, she loves Turner Classic Movies, painting, Pilates, the piano, and chocolate.

Daria's Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway

Daria White will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It's been my pleasure hosting Daria today. Please come back again all next week for more authors, books, and giveaway. And, while you're here, be sure to scroll through my previous post for active givaways.

Nancy

CHERRY RED by Author Darlene Fredette

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome Author Darlene Fredette back to the blog today to feature her new release, Cherry Red, part of the One Scoop or Two Series from The Wild Rose Press.

About the Book

This summer, ice cream entrepreneur Carly Redd's only focus is expanding her business—until she's coerced into attending her ex's engagement party. Showing up without a date is unthinkable. She reluctantly agrees to be escorted by her brother’s co-worker, although doing so breaks her rule of not dating firefighters.

The daughter of the town’s fire chief should wear a Do Not Touch sign, but firefighter Noah Harding's interest blazed the moment he saw Carly. Agreeing to be her fake boyfriend is a no-brainer, but convincing Carly to trust him with her heart is harder than extinguishing a fire.

Overstepping the platonic-only rule is as dangerous as fire and ice swirling into a tempting combustion.

Amazon ~ Apple ~ B&N (Nook) ~ Kobo ~ Google Play

Enjoy an Excerpt

“This might seem like a strange question, especially since we’ve just met, but would you be interested in going out for a coffee? Or an ice cream?” Noah rested an arm on the bar.

Carly glanced down at her jeans and black T-shirt embroidered with the company name and logo…a cluster of red cherries. In a room full of women all dolled up in fancy—and some a bit scanty—dresses, why would this incredibly handsome man ask her on a date? “I appreciate the offer, but I’m not interested…”

Noah raised a brow. “I know you like ice cream, so is it the coffee, or me?”

“What? No. I mean, yes.” She took a second to collect her scrambled thoughts. “I like coffee. I just don’t hang out with firefighters.” Not that he was a real firefighter. Did impersonators count in her rules of men to avoid? She never dated a stripper, but she wasn’t sure she could have a relationship with a guy who was paid to take off his clothes and have other women fawn over him. Not that the guy asked her on a date…just a simple coffee. His frown made her feel badly. “I’m sorry. It’s nothing personal.”

“Burnt in the past? No pun intended.” He smiled.

She couldn’t help but smile back. “Something like that.”

Meet the Author

Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to develop the many stories coming to life in her head. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador. Darlene’s favourite pastime is taking summer daytrips to the Valley to soak in the small-town feel.

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As always, it's been a pleasure hosting Darlene today. Please come back again tomorrow, and then all next week, for more authors, great books, and giveaways. Don't forget to scroll through the past week's posts to check for previous giveaways.

Nancy

A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: AIDEN by Author Peggy Jaeger **BOOK BIRTHDAY**

Woo hoo! Notes From a Romantics Heart is overjoyed to help Author Peggy Jaeger celebrate a second Book Birthday this month! Her new release, A Pride of Brothers: AIDEN, is Book 2 in the Pride of Brothers Series from The Wild Rose Press. Welcome to the celebration!

Genre: Romantic Suspense ~ Women’s Fiction ~ Contemporary Romance

About the Book

Lexi Buckley wants answers about her younger sister's death. The police have labeled it a suicide, but Lexi doesn't believe it. Stymied in her investigation, she doesn't know where to turn next. After a chance encounter with a private investigator, she thinks her prayers have been answered.

Aiden Keane has never been an answer to a prayer before, but he agrees to help Lexi. A quirky combo of brains and beauty, the pixie blonde makes him feel things no professional ever should for a client.

When their investigation puts Lexi's life in jeopardy, her safety becomes his number one priority. The hard part is not falling for her.

Find A Pride of Brothers: AIDEN At Your Favorite Retailer

Enjoy an Excerpt

(Nancy's Note: Steamy Rated Excerpt ~ Fair Warning!)

“Re-researchers have identified anywhere from thirty-one to for-forty different erogenous zones on the human body, any of which, when touched, can stimulate a sexual re-response. The back of the kn-knee is a particularly sensitive spot on women.”

Just when she’d thought she’d gotten a cap on her damn trivia-Tourette’s, it bloomed again, this time accompanied by a ridiculous stutter.

Get a grip, Alexis.

“Let’s see how many we can find on you,” he whispered against her thigh. The warmth of his breath across her skin had her back arching. “Ah, there’s another,” he said in response to her gasp. “And another,” he added when he moved higher.

Even knowing levitation wasn’t a real thing, Lexi swore her body rose from the bed with each touch of his mouth on her skin.

“And we already know this is one.” He slid his hands under her ass and pressed a kiss on top of her panty, over her labia. Her eyes slammed shut. He nuzzled his nose along the length of her before pushing the fabric out of his way and swiping his tongue across her clitoris.

Oh, sweet baby Jesus.

“You doin’ okay, there?”

“Fine,” she managed to choke out.”

Watch the Trailer

Meet the Author

Peggy Jaeger writes contemporary romances and rom coms about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them.

Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, Peggy brings all aspects of life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness, and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she has created the families she wanted as that lonely child.

As a lifelong diarist, she caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she blogs daily about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go "What??!"

Peggy's Website/Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Pinterest ~ Triberr ~ Author's Database ~  BookBub ~ LinkedIn

Goodreads ~ Amazon Author Page ~ YouTube

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As always, it’s been a pleasure hosting Peggy for release day celebrations. Come back all week for more books, authors, and giveaways! Don’t forget to scroll back through all the post from September. There may be some giveaways hiding there too!

Nancy

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE REMAINING IMPROBABLE by Susanne M. Dutton **REVIEW** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome Author Susanne M. Dutton to the blog. We’ll be discussing and reviewing her new release, Sherlock Holmes and the Remaining Improbable. You can find all of Susanne’s tour stops at Goddess Fish Promotions. And, don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter draw for your chance to win an Amazon or B&N gift card. The entry form is at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Mystery Fiction

About the Book

The game is not afoot. The Better-Every-Day world of 1895 is gone, even hard to recall as WWI ends. From his rural cottage, Holmes no longer provokes Scotland Yard’s envy or his landlady’s impatience, but neither is he content with the study of bees. August 1920 finds him filling out entry papers at a nearly defunct psychiatric clinic on the Normandy coast. England’s new Dangerous Drugs Act declares his cocaine use illegal and he aims to quit entirely. Confronted by a question as to his “treatment goal,” Holmes hesitates, aware that his real goal far exceeds the capacity of any clinic. His scribbled response, “no more solutions, but one true resolution,” seems more a vow than a goal to his psychiatrist, Pierre Joubert. The doctor is right. Like a tiny explosion unaccountably shifting a far-reaching landscape, the simple words churn desperate action and interlocking mystery into the lives of Holmes’ friends and enemies both.

Get your copy from Propertius Press in either e-book or print.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Holmes speaks, Watson answers:

“It’s clear, Watson, that you have come to trust this man, never mind your fancy knot work.” He let a hand rest briefly on Joubert’s shoulder, and then snatched it away. “The charade you two gentleman have just now performed causes me to question myself. You are evidently in collusion.”

I said, “We were that obvious?”

“I’m afraid so,” Holmes said. “In fact, when I have time, I will publish a monograph on what I will call ‘body language.’ Today’s performance will serve as a prime example. I watched you usher this Frenchman across the cottage—your hesitation, your caution lest you cause him the least pain, was evident. Your care was exactly as you would grant a lifelong patient going through a complicated procedure. You watched his every backward step, lest he trip. I noted the commiserating tilt of your head—and the lines of concern on your brow. Without a single word, you managed to signal your sympathy. To sum up, between the gun and the man you pointed it at, I detected at least a hundred yards worth of high-grade Watsonian scruple.

Holmes glared down at the top of Joubert’s head. “No doubt the entire Punch and Judy was your conception, Pierre, but you could not hide your concern for Watson, how you sought to assure him that it was all for a worthy purpose. Indeed, I saw you shudder and sweat, but you were in no fear for your life—in no dread of John Watson, at least. I submit to you both, that what I have witnessed just now was more a dance than an arrest.”

My Review

4-stars

Sherlock Holmes and the Remaining Improbable is one of the most interesting books I’ve read in ages. However, in order to get the full experience, you have to be a Holmes fan. Otherwise, it might be difficult to follow along.

Fortunately, I am a fan, and so I enjoyed this character driven story very much. I enjoyed the setting, the detail to time period, and especially the references to familiar characters and stories.

Susanne Dutton has done a wonderful job of sharing a possibility of what the esteemed detective’s later years might have to offer. And, as always, Dr. Watson played the perfect foil for the aging sleuth.

For those who are fans of both mysteries and the Holmes’ effect, you’ll likely enjoy this novella-length attempt to revive our favorite detective.

Meet the Author

Susanne Dutton is the one who hid during high school gym, produced an alternative newspaper and exchanged notes in Tolkien’s Elfish language with her few friends. While earning her B.A. in English, she drove a shabby Ford Falcon with a changing array of homemade bumper strips: Art for Art’s Sake, Forgive Us Our Trespasses, Free Bosie from the Scorn of History. Later, her interests in myth and depth psychology led to graduate and postgraduate degrees in counseling.

Nowadays, having outlived her mortgage and her professional counseling life, she aims herself at her desk most days; where she tangles with whatever story she can’t get out of her head. Those stories tend to seat readers within pinching distance of her characters, who, like most of us, slide at times from real life to fantasy and back. A man with Alzheimer’s sets out alone for his childhood home. A girl realizes she’s happier throwing away her meals than eating them. A woman burgles her neighbors in order to stay in the neighborhood.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Susanne grew up in the SF Bay Area, has two grown children, and lives with her husband in an old Philadelphia house, built of the stones dug from the ground where it sits.

Susanne's Blog

Enter the Giveaway

Susanne M. Dutton will be awarding a $75 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ ~ ~

Thank you for joining me today. Please come back all week for more authors, books, and giveaway.

Nancy